Police investigate serious assault after man is found in street

Mar 24 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

WITNESSES are being sought after a 39-year-old male was found lying in a New Stevenston street with serious head injuries.

The alleged serious assault appears to have happened in Stevenston Court on the evening of Wednesday, March 16.

The victim was only found on the afternoon of Thursday, March 17 by a member of the public who called an ambulance.

It is thought the man may have been attacked from behind with a weapon and then left unconscious in a serious condition.

Police believe the male also had property stolen, including a bank card, after the assault.

The victim was rushed to Wishaw General Hospital where he was treated for the injuries to his head as well as a fractured jaw, a broken nose and cuts to his face.

Police are particularly keen to speak to the driver of a white taxi who dropped the man off at a bus stop opposite the New Stevenston Scotmid store as they may hold vital information.

A spokesman for Bellshill police said: “Bellshill CID are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area during last Wednesday evening or in the early hours of Thursday morning and who either witnessed the incident itself or witnessed anything they thought of as suspicious or unusual.

“We are also asking people who may have seen the male lying in the street, or anyone who can give any information which may assist in the enquiry, to come forward.

“A white taxi dropped the male off in the evening at the bus stop across from Scotmid and we are interested in speaking to the driver of this taxi.

“If you know who may be responsible for the incident or have any information please contact Bellshill Police direct on 01698 202400 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.”

Meanwhile, a 49-year-old male was seriously injured following an altercation near to the Carfin Vaults bar in Motherwell at 8.15pm on Sunday, March 20.

The man was an innocent bystander who was assisting staff at the pub in ejecting an unwelcome punter.

A 36-year-old male, who was being asked to leave the bar, lashed out, punching the man in the face causing serious injuries. The victim was taken to Wishaw General Hospital for treatment.

The man responsible for the attack was later arrested and held in custody until his appearance at Hamilton Sheriff Court.